From Edmonton, travel west until you are in the middle of the towering Rocky Mountains. Here you will find the town of Jasper, a small, bustling community in the National Park. After you check into the Woodland building at the Forest Park Hotel, turn off your vehicle and wander around to explore the quaint shops, local eateries and stunning views. Take this time to relax as the next couple of days will be busy.

Are you ready for adventure?! Have a good breakfast, stretch and pack your necessities for the day. First thing this morning, you will make your way to the climbing site where the next few hours will be spent scaling a limestone wall. You will receive instructions on the equipment, learn safety practices and climbing techniques. Surrounded by panoramic views, you will have an opportunity to ascend a variety of routes ranging from easy to challenging along the Athabasca river. Once you have conquered the rock, you will suite up to tackle the powerful white water of the nearby glacier fed rivers. Depending on the water levels during the season, you can experience wild Class III rapids, and be rewarded with world-famous views, crisp water, and occasional wildlife.

Wake up, enjoy a hot breakfast, then make your way south on highway 93 towards the Columbia Icefield. You will meet at the Toe of the Athabasca Glacier parking lot, so get there early so you can layer up, stretch, and grab your necessary gear (hiking boots, crampons, hiking poles, and sunglasses are available to borrow). Don’t be fooled by the weather as it can be VERY windy up there, so dress for fall/winter conditions. After meeting your guide, you will be given an overview of what to expect, and then be lead up to the glacier. Based on time, conditions and the group, you could hike up to 8km gaining about 150m in elevation. You will see fascinating formations produced by fluctuating temperatures, including crevasses, millwells, and drainage channels. If conditions allow it, you will have a chance to slip into a harness and drop into an opening in the ice to have a unique experience of descending into a changing glacier.

Following this thrilling experience, turn north and make your way back to Jasper for your last night in town.

Wake up, enjoy a hot breakfast, pack your bags, and check out of your hotel. Spend your last day visiting Pyramid Lake, hiking Old Fort Point, or wandering downtown Jasper. After lunch, head to Miette Hot Springs for a dip in the hottest hot springs in the Canadian Rockies. The pools offer spectacular views of the Fiddle Valley and surrounding mountains, making it the perfect way to conclude your epic mountain adventures in Jasper.